By Charlotte Morritt-Jacobs - (@morrittjacobs on Twitter)

Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens Celebrates 49th Anniversary

Jul 14, 2016 | 4:03 PM

LETHBRIDGE – Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens had a special visitor Thursday to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the cultural heritage site.

Kunihiko Tanabe, Consulate-General of Japan in Calgary, formally posted at the Embassy of Japan in the United Kingdom, attended a ceremony and toured the gardens with Maria Fitzpatrick, MLA Alberta-East, Acting Mayor Rob Miyashrio and Beckie Dykshoorn, Constituency Office Manager & Community Liaison for Lethbridge MP, Rachael Harder.

The Gardens, which have been a catalyst for various cultural groups, honoured the special event with a Taiko drumming performance, a Bonsai demonstration and a tea ceremony.

Michelle Day, Nikka Yuko Executive Director, said that the gardens serve to educate all visitors on Japanese-Canadian hertiage, with special emphasis cultural accuracy.

“The gardens have a horticultural, historical and cultural component to them, so to have the Consulate visit and see it all of these pieces come together and celebrate with us is truly incredible.”

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In english, Nikka Yuko translates to “Japan-Canada friendship.”

This translation could not be more apparent to Charles McCleary, Nikka Yuko’s Director, who said that the Gardens impress visitors from all over the world.

“The Consulate-General in Calgary has been very responsive to our request to visit and has definitely enjoyed the tour through the Gardens.

Organizers of the anniversary said they they are hoping to host a representative of the Japanese Imperial family for the Garden’s 50th.